Do you want to know how to move from G to C on guitar? Do you want to learn how to change chords easily in a song? Do you want to know how to move your hands fast enough to change one chord to another?
Although these questions are usually for novice guitar players, you should remember that there are many ways you can play the G chord and C chord on the guitar, and even for the other chords, it’s just that chord changing can be complex for some guitar players.
Chord changing is one of the skills that every novice guitar player should really master to become a great guitar player. Although there is no deadline for any beginner to master this skill, it will help you greatly if you can execute it quickly and smoothly for such a short time. This will make you a better player as time goes on.
Chord changing can also be difficult for average guitar players, especially when playing barre and power chords or even octaves. These types of chords are usually used in genres like rock or metal, which are prone to quick chord changes. This is why mastering this skill, especially when you are still in the beginning stage of learning how to play the guitar, will help you greatly in the future.
How To Move From The G Chord To C Chord Using Formal Chord Form
The G and C chord is two of the most used chords in almost any popular pop song; this is why learning how to move from G to C on guitar is a valuable skill to acquire to be able to play the songs you want to play along with.
For the G chord, place your middle finger to the 6th string, 3rd fret, and then put your index finger to 5th string, 2nd fret, and lastly, put your ringer finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all the strings when you are playing the chord, including the open strings. Remember to strum depending on the tempo of a song.
The tricky part now is changing the chord from G to C smoothly. I will be giving tips later for chord-changing exercises but for now, let us focus on the basics.
To change from G to C, place your ring finger in the 5th string, 3rd fret, and then put your middle finger to the 4th string, 2nd fret, and lastly, put your index finger to the 2nd string, 1st fret. Strum all the strings, including the open strings, except for the first string.
Although it looks simple, many novice guitar players have problems executing these steps. With constant practice, you will develop the speed and hand coordination that will be needed to change guitar chords smoothly without a hitch.
With the correct timing in chord changing, that is how to move from G to C chord using formal chord formation.
How To Move From The G Chord To C Chord Using Barre Chords
For beginners who want to learn how to change chords using barre chords, you really need to have the hand and finger strength to use the barre chords in the guitar. If your strength is still not enough to hold the strings, then it will be difficult for you to play any barre chords.
For using the G barre chord, place your middle finger to the 3rd string, 4th fret, and then put your ringer finger to the 5th string, 5th fret, and then put your little finger to the 5th fret, 4th string, which is below the position of your ring finger. Lastly, place your index finger on the 3rd fret and clamp down all the parts of the strings that are located on the fret. Strum all the strings when playing the G chord.
This is where your hand and finger strength will be needed, as this will sound horrible when your index finger is not yet strong to clamp down the strings. Remember to push hard the back of the fretboard using your thumb.
When changing from the G to C chord using the barre chords, it is easier to remember that the C chord is positioned below the C chord. This will give you a better idea of how to change the chord easily. It will also allow you to change the chord faster, having this perspective on where to place your fingers when changing the chords.
From the G to C chord, place your ring finger to the 4th string, 5th fret, and then put your little finger to the 3rd string, 5th fret, and lastly, place your index finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret and clamp down all the parts of the strings that are located on the said fret except for the 6th string.
If you can notice, the C chord is placed under the G chord, and their difference is that the middle finger is not used on the C chord, and clamping down of the strings starts only on the 5th string, not like the G chord where it begins in the 6th string.
Remember that when playing the C barre chord, strum all the strings except for the 6th string.
How To Improve Chord Changes: G to C And More
When it comes to chord changes, there are some pointers that a novice guitar player must know to master the skill.
Here’s a great little guide on chord changes for guitar.
The first point is to visualize the next chord. Always remember never to lift your finger until you know where you will put it for the next when you are practicing. It is always a great skill to be able to picture out where you will put your fingers for the next chord.
The second is to slow things down. Learning how to play the guitar is never a race, and this is one of the most important things for a guitar player to remember to avoid experiencing burnouts. Learn to execute chord changing slowly and perfectly. This will also help your muscle memory when you try chord changing slowly.
The third point is to keep your fingers close to the strings. The idea of this is that the less movement from your fingers, the faster you can change the chords. When your fingers are still weak, it is more likely to move further from the strings when you try to change the chords.
The fourth pointer is always to make use of pivot fingers. When you are changing from one chord to another, there is a possibility that some of the finger positions do not change. This is the idea of the pivot finger. Therefore you need to familiarize the finger position of every chord to be able to use the pivot finger to your advantage.
For the fifth point, it is a great idea to practice only two chords repeatedly when it comes to chord changes. A great example is to practice how to move from G to C on guitar. Practicing this chord change over and over again will significantly improve your speed, hand and finger control, and muscle memory.
The sixth pointer is never to stop strumming when you are executing a chord change. You must develop your strumming and chord-changing skills simultaneously. Keep your strumming pattern while your other hand changes from one chord to another.
The last pointer is to practice daily. There is no easy way to be a better guitar player than to practice every day. Always remember that practice makes perfect.
Overall, executing chord changes can always be a difficult skill to learn for beginners, but being able to master this skill will significantly help you improve on your playing.
